Madagascar Turmeric Ginger Golden Latte
Mixed

Madagascar Turmeric Ginger Golden Latte

The golden latte, Madagascar style: turmeric, fresh ginger, cinnamon and a touch of Bourbon vanilla. A comforting, anti-inflammatory hot drink.

  • Prep 5 min
  • Cooking 10 min
  • Total 15 min
  • Serves 2
  • Difficulty Facile

Golden latte, or 'haldi doodh' in Indian Ayurvedic tradition, is an age-old drink that has seen a worldwide revival for its recognised benefits: curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and pairing it with black pepper (via piperine) multiplies its bioavailability by 2,000. But in Madagascar, these roots and spices are not just a remedy: they are aromatic treasures that our family grows in Vangaindrano, in south-eastern Madagascar. Our turmeric has an intense amber colour, almost saffron-like, and a vivid aroma. Our ginger is sharp and fresh, without the fibrous texture of Chinese ginger. Madagascar cinnamon, from the bark of Cinnamomum verum, offers softer, woodier notes than Chinese cinnamon. And the finishing touch of Bourbon vanilla turns this wellness drink into a moment of pure indulgence.

Méthode

Préparation

  1. Pour the milk into a small saucepan. Add the turmeric, the grated ginger, the cinnamon stick broken in half, the black pepper and the coconut oil if using.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, whisking regularly to dissolve the turmeric fully (it tends to clump into yellow lumps).
  3. As soon as it starts to bubble, lower the heat right down and let it infuse for 8 to 10 minutes. The longer the infusion, the more aromatic and powerful the drink. Watch closely to avoid it boiling over (milk rises fast).
  4. Turn off the heat. Strain through a fine sieve to remove the cinnamon and the pieces of ginger (this step is optional if you like a rustic texture).
  5. Off the heat, add the Bourbon vanilla extract, the honey and the pinch of fleur de sel. Mix well.
  6. For a smooth froth, blend for 30 seconds with a hand blender, or pour into a blender and blend on high speed for 20 seconds, the drink aerates and turns frothy on top.
  7. Pour into two cups preheated with hot water (cold cups will cool the drink down within 2 minutes).
  8. Dust a pinch of turmeric or ground cinnamon on top for a visual touch. Serve immediately.
Astuce du chef

Le petit plus qui change tout

Black pepper is not a minor detail. Without it, turmeric passes through the body without being absorbed: piperine from the pepper increases curcumin's bioavailability by 2,000% according to scientific studies (Shoba et al., 1998). Turmeric is also fat-soluble: coconut oil or the fat in whole milk helps its absorption. Iced variation for summer: prepare the infusion, let it cool, blend with 4 ice cubes and an extra tbsp of honey, delicious. Chai variation: add 2 Madagascar cloves and 4 crushed green cardamom pods to the infusion. To prepare ahead: make a 'golden milk paste' by mixing 4 tbsp of turmeric, 1 tbsp of ginger powder, 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper, 1 tsp of cinnamon and 4 tbsp of coconut oil. Keep chilled in a jar, 1 tsp is enough per cup of hot milk. For winter evenings, turn it into a cosy comfort drink by adding 1 tsp of unsweetened cocoa.

Questions fréquentes

À propos de cette recette

What are the health benefits of golden latte?
Curcumin is scientifically recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; ginger supports digestion and eases nausea; cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar. This drink is not a medicine but a beneficial ritual habit. Drink it in the morning for energy or in the evening to unwind (it's caffeine-free).
Which plant-based milk should I choose if I don't drink cow's milk?
Oat milk is our favourite for this recipe: it froths beautifully and brings a roundness that complements the spices. Unsweetened almond milk also works very well, and is lighter. Avoid soy milk, which can curdle with the ginger's acidity. For a creamy version: 300 ml almond milk plus 200 ml coconut milk.
Is fresh turmeric better than turmeric powder?
Fresh turmeric (the rhizome) is more aromatic but harder to dose and less widely available. Madagascar turmeric powder is excellent as long as it's good quality: an intense amber colour, a vivid smell straight from the bag, a fine texture. A good turmeric powder is easily a match for mass-market fresh turmeric.
Can golden latte be drunk every day?
Yes, 1 to 2 cups a day is fine for most people. Precautions: if you take blood thinners, diabetes medication, or have gallstones, talk to your doctor first (turmeric can interact with these). Pregnant women traditionally drink it in Madagascar, but in moderate amounts (1 tsp of turmeric maximum per day).
Why add a pinch of salt to a sweet drink?
Salt acts as a flavour enhancer: it softens the bitterness of the turmeric, brings out the roundness of the vanilla and rounds off the perceived sweetness. Add just a tiny pinch, small enough that you can't actually taste it, it's a barista's secret. Try it with and without, the difference is noticeable.
In the kitchen

Four moves with one bean

What to do with a whole bean, from the first cut to the sugar jar.

01 Split 30 s

Knife tip halfway through, one single pass along the whole length.

02 Scrape 1 min

Scrape both halves with a spoon. That black is the flavour.

03 Infuse 20 min

Seeds and bean into the hot milk, off the heat, covered.

Vanilla beans laid on a white plate
04 Reuse 1 week

Rinse the emptied bean, let it dry, then slip it into the sugar.

One bean serves twice
Ingrédients d'exception

Nos produits pour cette recette

Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract (20ml)
Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract (20ml) 5.0 (3) €8,90
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